Marian Wright Edelman s Measure Of Our Success - 1659 Words

â€Å"Any fool can know. The point is to understand† (Albert Einstein). Life is an item that most people do not understand. People ask others to answer what they want, instead of experiencing it for themselves; however, mentors help a person get through the difficult points in life with some life lessons. Though life lessons do not unlock all the secrets to life, they help people understand life a little better. Life lessons can come from anywhere. For some, they come with it on their own, for others, they require a little assistance from those they interact with. For instance, at the university, some life lessons have come to light. Through the discussion earlier in the semester, the life lessons throughout Marian Wright Edelman’s Measure of Our Success have left several life lessons as a takeaway. For instance, life lesson eleven, â€Å"Sell the shadow for the substance,† which basically means that the substance, is something that takes up space, is more important than the shadow, a superficial being that does not stay with you at all times. To sell the shadow, things in our life that do not really mean anything, for the substance, objects that help achieve a higher version of ourselves, is important and helps with understanding that if a person focuses on bettering their selves than achieving meaningless belongings, they will be able to proceed through life with the knowledg e that substance outweighs the shadow of material objects; likewise, life lesson nineteen, â€Å"Try to live inShow MoreRelatedEmerging Trends in Entrepreneurship4541 Words   |  19 Pagesemployment and income generation, but also in attending to the specific needs of a large proportion of   customers. Their greater visibility may also be attributable to the fact that in spite of all odds on the policy and market fronts, several thousand s of small enterprises thrive in a large number of production spheres. More importantly, the small scale sector has helped widen the entrepreneurial base by giving rise to a new class of entrepreneurs from the ranks of employees, business executive, technicians

Comparing Functionism, Marxism, and Social Action Theory...

Sociology is generally made up of three paradigms: Functionalism, Conflict Theory and Symbolic interactionism. A paradigm is a set of assumptions that shape and underlie explanations of why society is the way it is (Early Stratification Theory, internet 2003). Functional Theory is often traced from Durkheim, Parsons and Merton. Functionalists believe in shared norms and values, which are influenced by the Family, Education, church and employment. It sees society as a shaper of people rather than people shaping society. The functionalist says we need social order in which to survive normally. Roles are also important to the functionalist for example the roles in marriage. The†¦show more content†¦Thus, we are socialised in terms of the culture we know. Merton once said We do not exist for ourselves on cooperation. In other words we are here for others we reproduce in order to make the world go round. Social control is one aspect of functionalism; we are kept in line by the mechanisms of social control. Functionalism views society as a living organism such as the human body, the functioning of the human body depends on the heart, brain, lungs and other vital organs if any of these parts fail it would affect the entire body (society). Functionalists believe consensus plays a bigger part in society than conflict. We need guidelines; we need social consciousness for each other. We need rules and regulations or we would have anarchy namely, conflict, dispute, quarrelling and feuding. Which brings me to Marxism. Like functionalism Marx (1818-1883) sees society as a system, they both regard it as structural, the functionalist recognises the family and education and religion as the basis for the structure and Marxism sees society as a structure divided into two major parts, the economic base or infrastructure and the rest of society i.e. the political, legal and educational systems or superstructure. Marx claimed that the infrastructure largely shapes the superstructure. As opposed to functionalism, Marxism believes conflict is the character of society and that

Case Anaylsis -Dr. Pepper Snapple Inc. Free Essays

Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. (DPS) is an integrated beverage brand owner, manufacturer, and distributor of non-alcoholic beverages in the U. We will write a custom essay sample on Case Anaylsis -Dr. Pepper Snapple Inc. or any similar topic only for you Order Now S. , Canada, and Mexico and the Caribbean. Their headquarters is in Plano, Texas, and Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Inc. is a leading provider of flavored carbonated soft drinks and non-carbonated beverages. They have built their success through strategically acquiring beverage brands and then building them into leaders in their category. Examples of their notable acquisitions included the Duffy-Mott Company (later known as Mott’s), Canada Dry, Sunkist, Crush and Sun Drop. According to the text, through focused strategic development the company has sought to continually establish their firm as a leader in the higher margin segments of the non alcoholic beverage industry. Therefore, the company’s corporate level strategy entails building and enhancing their leading brands, as well as focusing on leading opportunities with high growth and high margin. In addition, the company wants to increase their presence in high margin channels and packages. Furthermore, the company wants to strengthen their route-to-market through acquisitions and improve their operating efficiency. Throughout, the current economic downfall, DPS has maintained growth because a key element of their corporate level strategy is adding others soda brands, and changing emphasis among the different soda brands. By doing this the company is making the right moves to establish their positions in the industry and achieving an appropriate amount and kind of diversification in the soda industry in order to continually grow. Another aspect of the company’s strategy, involves building a uniquely strong and distinctive competencies in their soda brand i. e. he taste and marketing of Dr. Pepper. This is crucial to their success and is used to maintain a competitive edge over their competitors. In order to establish their competitive advantage amongst competitors the company uses the best-cost provider strategy. Their strategy is trying to give customers the best cost/value combination, by incorporating a key good-or-better product characteristics at a lower cost than competitors. In oth er words, there are numerous types of sodas on the market; but DPS strives at making their soda distinctive but with an affordable price. The company faces several strategic issues within their industry. Within the industry, factors such as economic stability, consumer tastes and preferences, and commodites prices are issues that DPS are facing. Since carbonated soft drinks are a discretionary item, sales are considerably impacted by weakness in the economy; consequently, economic stability is a huge factor that DPS would have to face. Due to the economic downturn discretionary spending as a percentage of total consumer spending dropped below 16 percent, lower than it had been for over 50 years. As discretionary spending decreased, consumers turned from flavored soft drinks and colas to less expensive alternatives, including tap water. Not only did the economy influence confidence, the recession significantly increased commodity prices. Specific to the beverage industry, the prices for aluminum, natural gas, resins, corn, pulp and all other commodities increased. These types of commodities are used in the production of beverages, exerting a considerable amount of pressure on industry margins. Moreover the most significant issues that DPS will have to face is the increasing market trend in health and wellness. Consumers are reducing caloric intake and are looking for products richer in vitamins. Therefore the less-healthy sectors of the beverage industry are expected to decline, while demand for healthier alternatives like low or no calorie soft drinks and noncarbonated drinks such as sports drinks, ready-to-drink teas and flavored and regular bottled water are projected to grow. DPS should continue implementing their corporate level strategy and competing in the industry as a best cost provider in order to maintain market growth. The recession has impacted several companies; but it is important to maintain adequate marketing ploys to appeal to consumers i. e. The Sun Drop Commercial. Regardless, of the recession DPS should focus on delivering a quality product despite the increase in their commodity prices. In addition, their market target shall expand more overseas to reach more consumers. By doing more creative advertising and appealing to consumer; the company shall see more sales growth. Since there is an increase in commodity prices, the company might also consider divesting products that are not doing well. In addition, DPS needs to be more innovative in their research and development for developing a healthy soft drink that consumer will enjoy. Since, the U. S. which is their biggest market section, is going on a â€Å"diet† or in other word becoming more health conscious. DPS might want to jump on the bandwagon of producing a healthier soda but the company should not try to mimic what other companies are doing. Instead try to invest in the R that is focused healthier trend soda to reach more consumers. How to cite Case Anaylsis -Dr. Pepper Snapple Inc., Papers

Substance Abuse and the Elderly free essay sample

Abuse and the Elderly Substance abuse in the elderly exists just as in any other population. Many seniors develop substance abuse problems due to circumstances or situations due to the aging process. A report by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment/Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates that 17% of adults age 60 and older are affected by alcohol abuse and abuse of legal drugs. The report also states that a third of those seniors who abuse substances did not have a substance abuse problem in their earlier years. People usually think of substance abuse as using illegal drugs and young people as the most common abusers. People do not think of seniors as abusers of drugs. As a result, the issue of substance abuse by seniors has been under-researched and the number of seniors who use substances is much higher than reported. In 2000, an estimated 568,000 persons aged 55 or older had used illicit drugs in the past month and over 5 million were binge alcohol users, including more than 1 million who were heavy alcohol users. The number of substance users among older adults is likely to increase in the coming years due to the aging of the baby boom generation. (NHSDA Report, 2001) Reports states that more than one substance may be used by seniors, alcohol seems to be the primary substance. A recent report estimates that 4. 4 million older adults (over age 50) will be in need of substance abuse treatment by the year 2020. The study also states almost a 50% increase from 1988 to 1997 in the number of alcohol related hospitalizations among older people 6. Emergency room visits shows a 58% increase in alcohol mentions for patients 55 or older. TEDS, June, 07, 2004) Levin and Kruger (2000) called substance abuse among older adults an invisible epidemic, stating that older adults, relatives, and caregivers tend to downplay the existence of any substance abuse problems. They also state that the symptoms of alcohol and drug abuse are often mistaken for the symptoms of aging problems such as dementia, depression, or other problems commonly seen in older adults. Accepting that the family member is suffering from one of the issues that beset the elderly is easier then saying they have a substance abuse problem. Traditionally, substance abusers over the age of 65 have been identified as early onset or late onset abusers (Benshoff Roberto, 1987). More recently these categorizations have been conceptualized as chronic or situational (National Institute on Aging, 2002). Early onset abusers began drinking or drugging behavior before the age of 65 and continued to consume thereafter. Jung (1994) asserted early onset abusers frequently have significant physical and mental health problems, usually associated with their substance abuse history. Rigler (2000) reported that about two-thirds of elderly individuals with alcoholism problems are early onset drinkers, noting those individuals who survive the hardships of alcoholism problems in earlier life often have major mental and physical health complications. Late onset abusers are individuals who begin their substance abuse after 65 usually in response to a negative life situation or event such as retirement, death of a spouse, decline in status in the community, or health setbacks. (Rigler, 2000). The question is, do individuals begin drinking after the loss of a spouse because of grief, or because the death resulted in the loss of a control mechanism? Does increased drinking after retirement result from hopelessness? Does a major health crisis trigger increased alcohol usage as a coping tool or as a way to supplement pain medication Nearly all newly acquired substance abuse problems are alcohol related in the elderly over 65 years old. (Peterson 1988). Brennan and Moos (1996) reported that, in comparison to early onset drinkers, late onset drinkers typically have fewer physical and mental health problems. Therefore late onset drinkers tend to have a better prognosis for recovery because they have not suffered the physical and psychological ravages of long-term alcohol and drug problems (Brennan Moos, 1996 The increased use of alcohol has resulted in injuries related to falls, is significant cause of hospitalization, nursing home placement, decreased mobility among older adults (Lord, McLean, Stathers, 1992), accounts for about 40% of accidental injuries in this population. As we age the body metabolize alcohol faster and alcohol can interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications. Alcohol is especially dangerous for those who take sleeping pills, pain pills, or anti-anxiety medications. The effects of alcohol cause brain damage. The symptoms are similar to Alzheimer’s disease: confusion, short-term memory loss, diminished verbal ease, and loss of problem solving skills. The symptoms decrease after three to four weeks of abstinence. However, unless abstinence is maintained, the person may become permanently demented. One report found that 10% of patients over 60 who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease had brain damage caused by alcohol. The elderly are the fastest growing segment of the driving population. A person’s crash risk increases beginning at the age of 55. By age 80, it exceeds that of the young, beginning driver. Age and alcohol interact to increase driving risk. This could mean the responsibility of their transportation falls on a family member. How can family and friends help and support the persons with substances issues? If youre concerned about an elderly friend or relative, make an appointment with a health care professional, such as a doctor or nurse for a medical evaluation and attend the appointment with them. Be sure to discuss his or her recent and long-term drinking and drug use problems with the health care professional. Be sure to review the list of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications used on a daily basis by your family member. Help with decision making. Many older alcoholics and persons with substance abuse problems are unable to process information or effectively communicate decisions. Help set up community services in the home, if needed. Elderly people may benefit from such community services as home care, nutritional programs, transportation programs and other services. Drug use can disrupt family life and create destructive patterns of codependency, that is, the spouse or whole family, out of love or fear of consequences, inadvertently enables the user to continue using drugs by covering up, supplying money, or denying there is a problem. It is reported that family members feel that the issue of the user becomes their problem. There is a feeling of being drawn two ways, toward the user and their family. The structure of the family can be changed because of the usage of the senior. The substance problem becomes the family problem. The caregiver is trying to take care of the user and their family. The concern is what are they doing? Are they alright? Are they drinking? Are they eating? Do they have food to eat? Should I go and check? Making sure the elderly person is taken care of can cause problems in the whole family structure. What can be done about this issue? Fewer than one in five existing substance abuse programs in the United States offers services specifically designed for older adults, according to a University of Iowa investigation. The study, which appeared in the September issue of the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, suggests substance abuse in the older population is a particularly serious health concern. Either people are not getting the necessary care or they may be receiving improper care by visiting treatment facilities without elderly-specific programs in mind. As the elder population continues to increase, the number of elderly with substance abuse problems will increase considerably, said Stephan Arndt, Ph. D. Substance abuse and alcoholism may go undiagnosed and untreated or be inappropriately treated because of the lack of treatment. Professionals may also fail to investigate problems that may be indicative of an substance abuse disorder (forgetfulness, emotional instability, or physical illness) due to making the assumption that problems are a natural part of aging (Norton, 1998). Additionally, they might assume that elderly consumers deserve to be able to over-consume alcohol as part of their right to a blissful retirement (Bleechem, 2002). When making treatment referrals several difficulties can occur including: lack of individualized treatment approaches; lack of accessibility; and over-reliance on the self-help model. Koch and Rubin (1997) cautioned that substance abuse treatment providers have had a history of providing one size fits all treatment that may not effectively meet the needs of individual consumers. For various reasons substance abuse in the elderly population has not been viewed as a serious or widespread problem. Researchers have rarely addressed the unique issues faced by this group of individuals, traditional care providers have been slow or reluctant to identify problems and few elderly-specific treatment resources have been developed. To adequately provide services for the elderly with substance abuse problems appropriate screening instruments can be used in identifying substance use, abuse, and dependence in the elderly and therefore increase the likelihood of developing an effective treatment plan. Above all, future research should center on unique, elderly-specific identification, intervention and treatment strategies. All around us are many elders that alcohol has robbed of hope, dignity, and the ability to cope. Life events such as the loss of loved ones, the onset of age-related health problems, and the failure of caregivers to recognize and confront drug and alcohol may contribute to the development and continuation of the abuse. Potential solutions involve creating more specialized programs for older adults or modifying current programs to better accommodate the special needs of elderly clients. Substance abuse in the elderly needs individualized and age appropriate reatment just as other populations receive. At this time there is not specialized elderly treatment in the Grand Rapids area. Following is a list of resources regarding this issue.